STOP THE PRESSES: GOLF RE-INVENTED

Filed in archive Golf News on February 10, 2007

"PowerPlay Pete" McEvoy

The Scots won't like it a bit. The English are messing with their game.

In London this week, a new kind of golf was unveiled. It's called Powerplay Golf.
And it's supposed to be for those of us who are so busy we don't have time for the usual 18 holes.

Here's how it works. First, you only play nine holes. But each green has two holes.

Are ya with me?

One hole has a black flag indicating it's the tougher of the two; the other hole has the standard white flag (for those of us on the clock, I guess).

The deal is that over nine holes, each player has to make 3 "powerplays"; in other words, at least 3 times, a player has to go for the black flag hole. A player can double his or her "points" if they achieve a gross or net birdie or better.

This game of "golf" is in its infancy, so the brains behind it are still tinkering. One idea is to have a 30 foot circle around the final black flag hole. Any player who hits a shot inside the circle gets bonus points. Miss the circle and you lose points.

Can you say Big Break? Or maybe gimme a break?

Apparently, a pilot round will be tried later this year in England. There is even talk of a televised professional tournament to widen interest in the idea.

The organizers of Powerplay Golf have recruited former British amateur champion and Walker Cup captain, Peter McEvoy to be involved.

McEvoy said, "In a century where people find it increasingly difficult to devote large chunks of time to leisure activities, many are attracted to playing and watching shortened, more exciting and glamorous versions of their favorite sports".

More exciting? Glamorous? Huh?

I don't know about you but I MAKE time for golf. Period.

I also married a golfer. I think that's a lot easier than re-inventing the game.

What about just playing a quick REGULAR nine?

Silly English k-niggets...